Choir

Vestry Meeting, 29th March 1880:

“Mr W Campbell spoke of the cost of the choir and of the indifferent manner in which the singing was rendered.

Mr Aked endorsed the foregoing remarks, said he had undertaken the Office of Sidesman simply and solely for the purpose of doing what he could to improve the Choir, and he assured them that so far as his health and strength would permit he would endeavour to secure that result”.

17th February 1881:
"... The Chairman [Revd T A Livesey] stated that as was well known the state of the Choir was not satisfactory, that he had attended the rehearsals and had found there was not either sufficient care taken, or time devoted to the practices, - He said Mr Cort was anxious to have their advice and he asked for suggestions as to the means of improving the singing etc., so as to remove the cause for complaint which was very general”.

“Moved ... That an advertisement be inserted in the Manchester papers for a person to undertake the duties of Organist and Choirmaster. Salary £40, residence in Sale indispensable”.

1st March 1881:
“The Chairman [Mr. Livesey] had laid before the meeting a list of 34 Applications for the Office of Organist etc.

The applications were carefully considered. Six applicants were selected ...
... a trial arranged for Wednesday Evening March 9th with Mr Rawson as umpire.

5th April 1881:
“The Chairman read the Report from Mr Rawson ... It was unanimously agreed that Mr Schofield be appointed Organist at a salary of £40 per annum that he be required to remove to Sale within 2 months, and that Mr Livesey be requested to draw up a list of duties, stipulating for at least 2 rehearsals of the Boys and 1 of the men each week.

Increase in Accomodation

At a meeting of the seatholders (4 February 1885), “The Rev JP Cort submitted plans to the meeting prepared by Mr Lowe Architect to make the following additions to the church and also spoke about the inadequacy of free letting accommodation ... after some discussion the following resolution was proposed “That this meeting whilst approving of the suggested extension of the church by enlargement and providing a large number of free sittings as desired by the trustees is of opinion it is not desirable to take any active steps at this time” ”.

Mission House on Broad Road

“Proposed ... That the room in Broad Road be taken on a lease for 5 or 7 years according to arrangement ...”.

Minute Book - 1880 to 1889

The following extracts are taken from the St Anne's Church, Sale, 'Minute Book' - and give details of the Vestry Meetings (and others) between 1880 and 1889.

29th March 1880 Vestry Meeting

Vicar’s Warden: Mr Campbell.
Renters’ Warden: Mr Thompstone.
Ruri-decanal Rep.: Mr Armistead and Mr Mattinson.

“Mr W Campbell spoke of the cost of the choir and of the indifferent manner in which the singing was rendered.

Mr Aked endorsed the foregoing remarks, said he had undertaken the Office of Sidesman simply and solely for the purpose of doing what he could to improve the Choir, and he assured them that so far as his health and strength would permit he would endeavour to secure that result”.

“Proposed ... that the Trustees of the Fund for the repair of the Church Fabric be asked to furnish a statement of account”.

[Postscript: 24 April 1880, Repair Fund about £24 to this date added in pencil].

17th February 1881

“The following gentlemen met by invitation of the Vicar in the School to confer upon matters connected with the musical arrangements of the Church
Messrs Campbell and Thompstone - Wardens,
Messrs Aked and Allen Smith - Sidesmen,
Messrs Oldham, E Thorp and R Armistead.

The Revd T A Livesey in the Chair.

The Chairman stated that as was well known the state of the Choir was not satisfactory, that he had attended the rehearsals and had found there was not either sufficient care taken, or time devoted to the practices, - He said Mr Cort was anxious to have their advice and he asked for suggestions as to the means of improving the singing etc., so as to remove the cause for complaint which was very general”.

“Moved ... That an advertisement be inserted in the Manchester papers for a person to undertake the duties of Organist and Choirmaster. Salary £40, residence in Sale indispensable”.

“The difficulty of access to the Gallery was spoken of as a great hinderance to members of the congregation joining the choir, after which it was
Moved ... That Mr Campbell be requested to ascertain the cost of making a new staircase, - inside the Church for a better access to the Gallery.
Mr Campbell was also requested to ascertain cost of building an Organ Chamber on the South Side of the Chancel - to correspond with the South Aisle, and to contain a Vestry for the Choir”.

1st March 1881

“The Chairman had laid before the meeting a list of 34 Applications for the Office of Organist etc.

The applications were carefully considered. Six applicants were selected-
Messrs Grundy, Schofield, Fernley, Hopkinson, Bauning and [*] the latter later withdrew.

It was arranged that the above named should be asked to meet the Chairman [Mr Livesey], and Mr Thompstone at Mr Armistead’s office in Manchester.

The foregoing was duly carried out, and a trial arranged for Wednesday Evening March 9th with Mr Rawson. The trial took place as arranged. Mr Rawson to send us his report in writing to Mr Livesey”.

[* The sixth name has not been included, i.e. there is a blank space.]

5th April 1881

“The Chairman read the Report from Mr Rawson which was to the effect that Mr Fernley and Mr Schofield were equally good players and much better than the other two.

Several matters were put forward in favour of the 4 candidates, but it was agreed that the meeting should act upon the report, it therefore lay between Mr Fernley and Mr Schofield the former receiving 1 vote the latter receiving 5.

It was unanimously agreed that Mr Schofield be appointed Organist at a salary of £40 per annum that he be required to remove to Sale within 2 months, and that Mr Livesey be requested to draw up a list of duties, stipulating for at least 2 rehearsals of the Boys and 1 of the men each week.

For Memorandum of agreement (signed) see end of Book”.

[Note: The latter does not to appear in the Minute Book.]

18th April 1881 Vestry Meeting

Vicar’s Warden: Mr Campbell.
Renters’ Warden: Mr Thompstone.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Mr Armistead and Mr GC Mattinson.

“Mr Mattinson reported that amount in his hands belonging to the Repair Fund was £29”.

“Moved ... That the staircase as suggested for giving better access to Gallery be erected inside the Church. The cost to be defrayed by special collections and if necessary by subscriptions”.

“General satisfaction was expressed at the omission of the Litany on Easter Sunday Morning and a request made that it should be omitted on all Sunday Morning when the Holy Communion was administered. The Chairman said he would willingly meet the wishes of the meeting, if he could so arrange”.

“The improvement in musical portions of the late Services were spoken of and it being understood that much of it was due to the Revd TA Livesey”.

“Moved ... That the best thanks of this meeting be given to Mr Livesey for the interest he has taken in the Choir, owing to which there has been such a marked improvement in the singing”.

“Mr Medcalf called the attention of the meeting to the roadway in front of the School, remarking that it would be noticed the kerbs etc. was not laid in front of the school buildings but ended on each side. He stated that when the land was bought for the school site a sum of sixty pounds was paid to the late Mr Brooks for the purpose of road-making and was paid then in order that there might not be any future claim against the School Trustees.

At the request of the meeting Mr Medcalf and Mr Thompstone undertook to see Mr Thompson, Mr Brooks agent with reference to this matter”.

1st July 1881 Meeting of the Seatholders

It was resolved, “That a circular be issued convening a meeting of the parishioners in the Sunday School Room, Friars Road on Friday Evening next - for the purpose of considering the matters discussed at this meeting and of appointing a committee to take the steps necessary for providing a church on the west side of the canal”.

10th April 1882 Vestry Meeting

Vicar’s Warden: Mr William Mills.
Renters’ Warden: Mr William Armstrong.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Dr Royle and Mr Armistead.

“Mr Medcalf reported that he had an interview with Mr Thompson, Brooks' Agent concerning the roadway fronting the school ... a letter received ... relating to the paving of the road ... to be placed along with the Deeds ...”.

27th March 1883 Vestry Meeting

“owing for Boiler £14-14-7”

Vicar’s Warden: Mr William Mills.
Renters’ Warden: Mr William Armstrong.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Dr Royle and Mr R Armistead.

“The vestry suggested to Mr Schofield the organist that the changes the responses to Hopkins Service as being more simple and congregational”.

14th April 1884 Vestry Meeting

Vicar’s Warden: Mr William Mills.
Renters’ Warden: Mr William Armstrong.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Dr Royle and Mr R Armistead.

“Moved ... that Mr Dewsbury's salary be advanced £5 per annum”.

“Left to Mr Medcalf and The Revd JP Cort to see whether it would be advisable to alter the services of the church to Hopkins Service as mentioned in 1883”.

Extract from The Bowdon Guardian 18th October 1884

“Funeral of the late Vicar of Sale”

Revd JJ Cort, MA - Died 10 Oct. 1884, Aged 57 years.
Interment at Brooklands Cemetery. First part of burial service conducted at St Anne’s - Conducted by The Rev G London, MA, Vicar of St George’s Altrincham.
Hymn, “Brief life here is here our portion” Choir and Congregation, followed by two Psalms.
At cemetery, Choir sang, “My God, my Father, while I stray”.
At conclusion, the Choir sang, “Art thou weary, art thou languid”.

“Mr Cort was educated at St Johns College Cambridge and graduated BA (5th Wrangler) In 1850, MA in 1853, Deacon 1850, and priest 1851 by the Bishop of Worcester. He was appointed the Vicar of Sale in 1856, the Patrons of which church are 5 Trustees. He was surrogate of the diocese of Chester 1882, formerly assistant master of King Edward's School, Birmingham, 1850 to 1852; Fellow of St Johns College, Cambridge 1851-55; curate of St Mary’s, Birmingham, 1852-53; Eccles, Lancashire 1853; Minister of St Michael’s Cemetery Church, Birmingham, 1854, and was the author of numerous sermons, which are published in the “Church of England Magazine”, single sermons etc.”.

Addressed his flock for the last time on 20 July although far from well at the time (30th anniversary of his appointment as vicar). Address based on Acts XX 24.

15th October 1884

Notice

“We should be grateful if you will kindly attend a Meeting of the Seat-holders, in the schoolroom, on Friday, the 17th instant, at eight pm

Wm Mills
W Armstrong Wardens”.

20th October 1884

3rd Resolution, “That a memorial to the memory of the Rev JJ Cort MA the specific form to be decided at some future meeting”.

4th Resolution, “... A memorial be presented to the Trustees in favour of the appointment of Mr John P Cort, as Vicar. It was agreed unanimously, that the following gentlemen should form a Committee to wait upon the Trustees and carry out the views of the meeting in such a manner as to best answer the purpose

The Chairman RD Armistead
RD Oldham
MW Thompstone
AK Dyson
Jno. Fullalove
Jas. Kay”.

Copy of letter sent to the Trustees

15 Oct. 1884

“Dear Sir-
By the death of our esteemed vicar The Rev JJ Cort we have sustained a very severe loss and feel it will be a great difficulty to fill the vacancy. You will be aware the Mr JP Cort his son has for nearly 3 years been acting as curate and for a considerable portion of the time fulfilling the entire duties to the general satisfaction of the congregation. Knowing the difficulty of making such an appointment and feeling sure that you would like to consult the wishes of the congregation we have ventured respectfully to make known to you that it is almost the unanimous desire of the seat holders that Mr JP Cort should be appointed vicar providing such appointment commends itself to your judgement
We are Sirs
Yours faithfully
W Mills
W Armstrong Wardens”.

Copy of further letter to Trustees


21 Oct. 1884

“Dear Sirs
Enclosed I hand you circular of resolutions past at a meeting of the seat holders of St Anne's Church Sale on Friday Evening last-
I should be glad if you could inform me when it will be convenient for you to receive a deputation from the seat holders. If Saturday afternoon would be suitable the committee would be glad to wait upon you or at such other time you may propose”.

“In furtherance of the aforesaid letters and circulars the whole committee and wardens had an interview with the trustees at Ewd Joynsons Ashfield Sale presented a petition signed by about 77 percent of the seatholders, when the trustees said they would take the petition and the committees recommendations in consideration”.

A meeting of the seatholders was held on 4 February 1885

“The Rev JP Cort submitted plans to the meeting prepared by Mr Lowe Architect to make the following additions to the church and also spoke about the inadequacy of free letting accommodation:
viz. new organ chamber. The north aisle to be enlarged to correspond with the south aisle and a new entrance to be made at the west end of church - after some discussion the following resolution was proposed “That this meeting whilst approving of the suggested extension of the church by enlargement and providing a large number of free sittings as desired by the trustees is of opinion it is not desirable to take any active steps at this time” ”.

Letter read relating to Mission House on Broad Road

“Proposed ... That the room in Broad Road be taken on a lease for 5 or 7 years according to arrangement ...”.

6th April 1885 Vestry Meeting

Amongst those Present: Rev [Geoffrey] Dillon.

Vicar’s Warden: Mr Wm Armstrong.
Renters’ Warden: Mr Robt Fox.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Dr Royle and Mr R Armistead.

27th April 1886 Vestry Meeting

Present: Rev WW [William Watkins] Jones (Curate)

Vicar’s Warden: Mr W Armstrong.
Renters’ Warden: Mr CH Wadsworth.
Ruri-decanal: Dr Royle and Mr F Pierson.

“Mr Oldham called attention to the administration of the Sacrament as regarded the communicants proceeding to the Table - It was suggested that the Vicar should call attention to this subject, from the Pulpit, and also that a small slip be printed to be placed in the pews, giving some simple directions to intending communicants, which it was thought might regulate the matter. The subject of an occasional evening administration of the Sacrament was also referred to, and the Vicar promised to fall in with the suggestion”.

“Mr Medcalf brought forward the proposal for enlarging the Church and intimated that the Trustees who had been consulted, quite acquiesced in the proposal. The estimated cost of the alteration was put down at £1120”.

“Proposed ... that this meeting approves of the enlargement of the church as proposed by the churchwardens and empowers them to obtain a faculty to carry out the same”. Carried.

A provisional committee was proposed: The Clergy and Churchwardens and Sidesmen plus 25 others with power to add to their number.

12th April 1887 Vestry Meeting

[Note: A newspaper cutting covering this meeting is also included in the Minute Book (Bowdon Guardian)]

Vicar’s Warden: Mr W Armstrong.
Renters’ Warden: Mr Charles H Wadsworth.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Mr H Pierson and Dr Royle.

Sidesman for the Parish Room on Broad Road: Mr Goodall.

“It was agreed upon that the Vicar and Wardens advertise for an organist and choirmaster separately and that the organist was not to have a salary exceeding £40 per year”.

The newspaper also reports:

Accounts
Receipts, £590-3s-11d
Expenditure, £587-9s-4d
Balance in Hand, £3-14s-7d

“It was resolved ... that the usual ley of 1s and 6d be laid on the sittings ...”.
[Note: These figures are per quarter.]

3rd April 1888 Vestry Meeting

Vicar’s Warden: Mr W Armstrong.
Renters’ Warden: Mr Wadsworth.
Ruri-decanal Rep.: Mr H Pierson and Dr Royle.
Sidesmen for the Mission House: Mr H Pierson and Mr Goodall.

23rd April 1889 Vestry Meeting

Curate: Rev JA Legh.
Vicar’s Warden: Mr FR Fox.
Renters’ Warden: Mr J Makinson.
Ruri-decanal Reps.: Mr John Lowe and Dr Peter Royle.